Selkath

The Selkath are amphibious beings native to the planet Manaan. During The Old Republic Era, Manaan is one of the most important planets in the galaxy. As the sole source of Kolto (a naturally occurring healing agent, much more effective than Bacta), Manaan is able to retain its neutrality by supplying all sides of a conflict with the vital substance. The Selkath leaders might favor one side over another if it is in the long-term interests of the planet. However, Selkath closely guard their neutrality, lest they fall prey to powerful corporations, or oppressive invaders.

Few Selkath travel offworld, preferring the habitat of their homeworld. They have never joined the Republic, or any galactic organization, so most have little reason to leave. They enjoy the technology and wealth produced by the sale of Kolto. All contact with offworlders occurs in Ahto; the Selkath live in underwater cities and settlements scattered around the planet. As amphibious creatures, they are equally at home in either locale. However, those areas closer to Ahto are home to more sophisticated and technologically advanced Selkath settlements. Historically, Selkath settlements were divided by clan affiliation. However, those affiliations have become less pronounced due to the importance of Kolto production.

Basic Information

Anatomy

Selkath are amphibious humanoids, with large eyes on each side of their wide, flat heads. They have concealed gill slits that work equally well in air or water. They have natural poisoned, retractile claws, but it is socially unacceptable (and illegal on Manaan) to use them against an opponent. Nevertheless, highly enraged Selkath occasionally disregard this restriction.

Behaviour

Selkath prefer negotiation and diplomacy to direct, possibly rash actions, especially where influential governments are concerned. They are not pacifists so much as pragmatics, being less reserved when dealing with other Selkath.
Selkath adventurers are normally Scouts or Nobles. Few Selkath are known to have joined The Jedi Order, though some Force-sensitive Selkath create The Order of Shasa.

Additional Information

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

Selkath share the following Species Traits:
Ability Modifiers: All Selkath receive a +2 bonus to their Charisma. Most Selkath tend to be skilled in talking their way out of an argument, without taking a side.
Medium Size: As Medium creatures, Selkath have no special bonuses or penalties due to their size.
Speed: Selkath have a base speed of 6 squares. They also have a swim speed of 4 squares.
Able Healers: Whenever a Selkath restores Hit Points to another character by any means, or Aids Another who is doing so, the target regains an additional 5 Hit Points.
Additionally, once per encounter as a Swift Action, the Selkath can grant an adjacent ally Bonus Hit Points equal to 10 + the Selkath's Character Level, which last until the end of the encounter.
Breathe Underwater: As amphibious creatures, Selkath can't drown in water.
Expert Swimmer: A Selkath may choose to reroll any Swim check, but the result of the reroll must be accepted, even if it is worse. In addition, a Selkath may choose to Take 10 on Swim checks, even when distracted or threatened.
Automatic Languages: All Selkath can speak, read, and write Selkath.

Civilization and Culture

Naming Traditions

Qual, Shasa, Shaelas, Shelkar

Lifespan

100

Average Height

1.5m

Average Weight

60kg